What is the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF)?
The Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF) was launched in May 2004.  The organization provides farm families throughout Iowa with specialized assistance in growing their livestock farms responsibly and successfully.  CSIF’s mission is to help grow communities one farmer and one neighbor – at a time.
 
There are seven member organizations of the Coalition. They include:

Iowa Cattlemen's Association
Iowa Corn Growers Association
Iowa Farm Bureau Federation
Iowa Pork Producers Association
Iowa Poultry Association
Iowa Soybean Association
Iowa Turkey Federation

What is the coalition's purpose?
CSIF’s primary purpose is to assist farmers in making responsible changes to their farms to remain economically viable and active in their communities.  Since our launch, the Coalition has provided a helping hand to more than 1,000 farm families as they work to meet and exceed regulations, identify the best location for their new farms and enhance relations with neighbors.
 
Why was CSIF created?
Strong farms and prosperous communities go hand in hand.  Studies show a direct correlation between successful farms and vibrant neighborhoods.  According to Iowa State University:

1. One of every 10 Iowans is employed by farming, food processing or the farm input industries (nearly 190,000 people).

2. One of every four dollars ($46.7 billion of $185.8 billion) of Iowa’s industrial output is exported from the state as an agri-food product.

3. Approximately one of every eight dollars in personal income in the state comes from exported agri-food products.

And while livestock farming and agriculture are vital to Iowa’s economic and social well-being, farm families face many challenges.  The legislative and regulatory environment impacting animal agriculture in Iowa has grown increasingly complicated and costly.  Shrinking margins, fierce global competition and consumer demand for leaner and more affordable meat have created additional challenges.  Combined, they have formed a business model requiring farm families make changes in their enterprises to maintain a traditional standard of living.  Many times, they need a helping hand to navigate these complex issues.  CSIF is dedicated to providing that assistance.

What makes the CSIF different from Iowa's farm and commodity groups?
Farmers have asked for individualized, farm-specific assistance as they work to navigate changing business and regulatory issues related to animal agriculture. CSIF provides tools and resources – including one-on-one help – to assist farmers in this process in a direct, timely and personal way that currently is not done by existing farm and commodity organizations.

In addition, many, if not all, Iowa farm and commodity organizations serve the needs of a large number of farmers via a grassroots policy development process.  CSIF does not develop policy, lobby or maintain a membership base.

How is the CSIF structured?
The Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers is a 501 (c) (6) corporation that doesn't lobby or develop policy.  CSIF is led by a seven-member board of directors. The board includes Bruce Berven, Iowa Cattlemen's Association; Craig Floss, Iowa Corn Growers Association; Denny Presnall, Iowa Farm Bureau; Kevin Vinchattle, Iowa Poultry Association; Rich Degner, Iowa Pork Producers Association; Kirk Leeds, Iowa Soybean Association; and Gretta Irwin, Iowa Turkey Federation.

The coalition has three officers: President Kevin Vinchattle; Vice President Rich Degner; and Secretary-Treasurer Craig Floss.
The CSIF's day-to-day efforts are directed by a two-person staff: Aaron Putze serves as Executive Director while Megan Ritter serves as Sr. Field Coordinator.

How is CSIF funded?
CSIF receives the majority of its funding from its seven member organizations.  Allied partners (including Wilson Trailer, Hog Slat, Farm Credit Services of America and Ritchie Industries), county farm organizations and individual farm families also invest in the Coalition’s efforts.

Who came up with the idea for the CSIF?
Farmers expressed a need for specific resources and support to help them grow responsibly. While Iowa's farm and commodity organizations provide a comprehensive assortment of tools, there was a need for a new, one-stop shop that would provide farmers with individual, specialized assistance in the areas of regulatory compliance, environmental management and neighbor relations. CSIF is the place that farmers can go to receive the help and support they need to make responsible changes to their enterprises.  By receiving good information and timely assistance, they are more likely to remain active and viable on the farm and in their communities. That's good for Iowa.

What are CSIF’s other priorities?
The Coalition empowers farm families to take a more active role in communicating the value of livestock farming.  We also communicate the importance of livestock farming to the general public. 

How long does the coalition expect to operate?
The Coalition will exist as long as there is a need and as long as it's effective in helping grow Iowa's communities one farmer and one neighbor at a time.

Are similar coalitions operating in other states?
Yes.  CSIF has served as a catalyst for other states including Nebraska, South Dakota and New York.  Many other states have contacted the organization for help in pursuing a similar effort including Alabama, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, South Carolina and Wyoming, to name just a few.

How does the Coalition provide assistance?
The Coalition assists many farmers via the phone.  However, sometimes requests require greater detail and attention.  Farmers interested in benefiting from additional assistance offered by CSIF participate in a comprehensive review process. This includes on-site consultation in which the farmer is asked to answer questions relevant to their farm. The CSIF board of directors reviews information accessed from these visits and conversations and determines if the farmer is eligible for additional coalition services. If a farm family is selected, they will follow all applicable state rules and regulations and engage in a variety of activities recommended by CSIF designed to enhance consumer understanding and trust of livestock farming.

Is there a cost to participate and receive the coalition's services?
No.  Farmers are invited to participate and benefit from CSIF's basic services at no charge.
 
Why now?
Iowans depend on strong farms and vibrant communities.  The two go hand-in-hand.  Livestock farmers face unique challenges that directly affect their future.  It's important that they have the support, knowledge and assurances they need so they and their families can remain viable members of their community.

What are people saying about CSIF?
“There’s a huge value to farmers in having an organization like the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers to use as a sounding board when making decisions.  No one had the information that CSIF did in terms of knowing the issues, who the experts are and where to go for such things as financing, facility design and construction.  But more than that, CSIF has helped even out the temperament of people regarding livestock so that farmers like me have the confidence we need to forge a future in raising hogs.”
Stuart Swanson, Galt (Wright County). 
Swanson grows crops and markets 1,100 hogs annually through Lewright Meats, Eagle Grove

“The fact that there’s an organization helping address the needs and expectations of both livestock farmers and their neighbors is extremely beneficial and speaks to the need for a shared approach in helping grow one of Iowa’s most important businesses.  Given livestock’s importance to Iowa, it’s also critical that people understand and trust the efforts farmers are undertaking to be good neighbors and to protect air and water quality.  The Coalition is helping do just that.”
Keith Sash, member of the Tama County Board of Supervisors

“I hadn’t built a new hog barn since 1997 and a lot of the rules and regulations have become more stringent since then.  I wanted to make sure I did the right thing so I contacted the CSIF for help.  I highly recommend them.”
Wade Finch of Britt who, with son Dan, constructed a new
2,400-head finishing barn in Hancock County

“For the state of Iowa to economically grow and prosper we need farm families involved in livestock to responsibly grow as well.  CSIF helps bridge that gap and create an environment where people and livestock can cohesively co-exist.  Now that’s an effort worth championing.”
Rick Pederson, farmer, Humboldt